What is Vestibular Migraine?

An interesting occurrence that has puzzled the medical world for a long time is the simultaneous presentation of migraines and vertigo. The most common episodic vestibular disorder is called Vestibular Migraine. Episodes of this complex condition involve vertigo, aura and migraine headaches with vertigo as the main symptom. An attack most commonly lasts 5 minutes to 72 hours, but is he time period of such an attack is known to vary. There are no known biological markers for diagnosing Vestibular Migraine, which complicates the diagnosis of the condition. It is therefore essential for the patient to give a detailed history of the symptoms that they struggle with.

Factors that influence the progression of Vestibular Migraine are multi-factorial and may be genetic, epi-genetic or environmental. Some possible triggers of Vestibular Migraine include menstruation, emotional stress, lack of sleep, dehydration and certain foods. [1][2][3]

If you suffer from Vestibular Migraine, you are not alone. Approximately 1% of the general population may be affected by this condition, although it has been speculated that the percentage should in fact be higher since the condition is regularly misdiagnosed. [4][7][8]Even though the pathophysiology (biological mechanism) of Vestibular Migraine is not known, many studies are currently contributing to the understanding of the neurophysiological pathways involved with the disorder. Some possible hypotheses, which are based on current knowledge of migraines, include the following: [2]

The sensitisation of the trigemino-vascular system – the nerve-blood bundle that supplies the face becomes over sensitive.

Possibilities of genetic predisposition with many family members experiencing similar migraines of inherited nature

Recent reports are now suggesting that higher processing parts of the brain (like the thalamus and other regions of the brain that regulate pain) are involved, with a loss of ‘synchronisation’ seen between them

The diagnostic criteria (according to the Consensus document of the Barany Society and the International Headache Society) is essentially a vertigo episode (false perception of movement), along with a migraine (with or without visual aura). Additionally, people also suffer from photophobia (sensitivity to bright light), hearing dysfunction, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, balance disturbance and exhaustion, .. [2][3][8]

Brain Hub, based in Sydney, is a leading vestibular rehabilitation and brain-based therapy clinic for the treatment of people suffering from dizziness and balance disorders, including migraines with vertigo (medical and clinical neuroscience research references SUPPORTING the use of VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION for the management of VESTIBULAR MIGRAINES are included below)

Burdens of Vestibular Migraine

People suffering from vestibular migraine are not simply patients. They are people who live in the real world and who have to carry on with their lives despite their condition. These people may not only suffer from the symptoms related to Vestibular Migraine, but also suffer from the damage that this disorder brings onto their lives. A sudden attack may be a frightening experience and the long term effects of the condition may greatly impact someone socially, physically, psychologically and financially.

Vertigo and migraine are both common reasons why people end up in the ER. The symptoms can cause great distress, especially when they occur suddenly. When you experience an attack of Vestibular Migraine it may feel like you are going to fall down or you may even suffer from debilitating headaches. Or both at the same time.

Countless cases of vertigo and migraine are dismissed as “unexplained”, which means that people may suffer from debilitating symptoms for long periods of time before finally being diagnosed. Symptoms like poor balance, nausea and excruciating headaches can become insufferable.These symptoms do not only affect patients but also have an impact on the people around them. This means that someone’s social life could suffer from the consequences of this condition.

The financial burden of Vestibular Migraine is devastating. The diagnosis of this condition is based on exclusion which means that countless medical tests have to be done before a diagnosis is reached. Medical testing can cost a great deal of money.

At some point along the line someone suffering from Vestibular Migraine may not be able to keep a job. This can be frustrating and also causes a great financial burden.

Vestibular Migraine should be diagnosed with great urgency to prevent or limit the damages that it can cause to someone’s life. [9][10]

Solution for Migraine

Brain Hub is a leading vestibular rehabilitation and brain-based therapy clinic, aimed at providing you comprehensive and effective solutions, so you can gain more control and balance in your life. Our proven 3 step process, will help get the answers your looking for and the solution you deserve. Don’t delay, contact us and find out why we have helped many people with dizziness and poor balance conditions.

Medical and clinical neuroscience research is SUPPORTING the use of VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION THERAPY for the management of VESTIBULAR MIGRAINES (see references above)